How Does Your Garden Grow (In Northern Nevada)?

By: Tori Bowlin

March 01, 2017

A man with a child smiling outdoors

Ready to start your garden? Get started with these easy-to-follow tips from local expert, Liza Detomasi, Workman Farms.

Gardening is in my family. We started Workman Farms in Fallon in 1964 and I started working here when I was 14. I have always had a love for food and enjoy gardening and cooking. Gardening can be great for your health. It has been known to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, put you in a good mood and you benefit from the flavorful fresh produce. If you are interested in starting a garden here is a short intro into gardening in northern Nevada.

Step One: Location, Location, Location

For the beginners be sure to choose a location in your yard that receives 10 hours of sunlight, it doesn't have to be continuous but a total of at least 10 hours is best. Prepare the ground before you plant with nutrient soil and compost from your local nursery.

Step Two: Choose the right plants

Northern Nevada can be a bit tricky to grow a successful garden. With our low yearly rain totals and summer heat there are some plants that just don't like it here. But there are many that thrive. Those that do are grouped into two categories – cool weather and warm weather.

Cool Weather Veggies

Plant in early spring

  • Carrots
  • Beets
  • Celery
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Lettuce
  • Radishes
  • Onions
  • Potatoes
  • Snow peas
  • Strawberries
  • Kale
  • Cilantro

Warm Weather Veggies

Plant in early May to late spring

  • Tomatoes
  • Peppers
  • Squash
  • Green beans
  • Cucumbers
  • Pumpkin
  • Tarragon
  • Basil
  • Parsley
  • Rosemary
  • Thyme
  • Oregano
 

Step Three: Enjoy!

Always have fun and get creative! Start with a hamburger garden (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickling cucumbers), Salsa garden (tomatoes, peppers, onion, cilantro, tomatillos) or a stir fry garden (snow peas, carrots, broccoli, scallions). Never be afraid to ask your local nursery questions.

Easy Plants for Desert Yards

The Spruce provides a comprehensive list of nurseries in the Reno area to get you started. Happy planting!